Mathai Yohannan

In Loving Memory of M. John
February 22, 1937 – June 4, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the peaceful passing of Mr. M. John. He lived a remarkable 88 years marked by compassion, service, and leadership.
Mr. John was a loving Father, devoted husband, tireless philanthropist and respected businessman. He dedicated his life to the betterment of the Malayalee and Indian community in the Middle East, establishment of the Dubai Mar Thoma Church and the growth of Bhatia Brothers. As the Managing Director of Bhatia Brothers in Dubai for around 50 years, he played a vital role in growing and shaping a very diverse conglomerate that employed around 1000 people at its peak.
His influence extended far beyond business. Mr. John was the first Malayalee to serve as President of the Indian Association in Dubai, and was instrumental in establishing the first Mar Thoma Church in the region. When Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Dubai in 1981, he courageously brought attention to the challenges faced by expatriate Indians and helped create long-lasting solutions. He was widely respected for his humanitarian work, organizing relief for refugees, supporting stranded workers, and leading charitable initiatives in both India and the Gulf.
Mr. John’s quiet generosity and inspirational wisdom were a constant source of strength for all those who knew him. He was a wonderful son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and husband. A steadfast safety net for those who turned to him in times of need. His presence brought comfort, his guidance offered clarity, and his love illuminated the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Annie (Leelamani) John; his three children and their spouses: Sunil and Liby Geevarghese (daughter), Sanju and Linty Varghese (daughter), and Dharti and Jim John (son); as well as his eight cherished grandchildren: Sanjaly, Sanjith, Sanjana Geevarghese, Liyah, Lukah, Larah Varghese, Ela, and Liam John.
He also leaves behind a grateful community of extended family, church members, colleagues, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
A Celebration of M. John’s Life will be held on June 14, 2025,  at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden & Funeral Home located at 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN 37221. The family will receive friends and family for a visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am with funeral services starting at 11:00am. The family also invites you to join them for a reception from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Pavilion at Harpeth following funeral services.   
M. John touched us all with his generous spirit and inspirational wisdom, his big heart and mind carried him through this world and beyond. May he rest in peace in all our hearts. Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now in the eternal embrace of God, reunited with his Creator. His faith was the foundation of his life, and in death, he returns to the arms of the Lord he served so faithfully.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8